General Chemistry I (CH 102-002) Syllabus and Course Structure – Spring 2026

Course Overview

General Information

This syllabus outlines the structure, policies, and expectations for General Chemistry I (CH 102-002), a foundational college-level chemistry course. The course covers essential topics in chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, and introductory thermodynamics, as indicated by the weekly schedule and textbook requirements.

• Instructor: J.C. Stout

• Office Hours: MTTh 10-11 am

• Location: Shelby 1004

• Contact: Provided in syllabus

Course Description

Scope and Prerequisites

This course includes three lectures and one hour of laboratory per week. It is designed for students majoring in science and engineering fields. Prerequisites include completion of introductory chemistry and mathematics courses, or appropriate placement scores.

• Topics Covered: Atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, periodic properties, chemical bonding, solutions, thermochemistry, and introductory kinetics.

• Prerequisites: CH 101 or equivalent, and appropriate math placement.

Textbook and Materials

Required Texts

• Primary Textbook: Chemistry: Structure and Properties, by Nivaldo Tro

• Laboratory Manual: Laboratory Manual for Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

• Online Homework: Mastering Chemistry (Pearson)

Course Schedule

Weekly Topics and Exams

The course is organized into weekly topics, each corresponding to chapters in the textbook. Exams are scheduled throughout the semester to assess understanding of key concepts.

Week	Dates	Chapter(s)	Notes
1	Jan 8	Admin/11	Introduction
2	Jan 13, 15	11, 12
3	Jan 20, 22	12, Review	Exam 1 (Ch. 11-12) Jan 27
4	Jan 27, 29	13
5	Feb 3, 5	13, 14
6	Feb 10, 12	14, 15	Exam 2 (Ch. 13-14) Feb 17
7	Feb 17, 19	15, 16
8	Feb 24, 26	15/16
9	Mar 3, 5	16
10	Mar 10, 12	Review/17
11	Mar 17	Spring Break
12	Mar 24, 26	17, 18	Exam 3 (Ch. 15-17) Mar 31
13	Mar 31, Apr 2	18, 19
14	Apr 7, 9	19
15	Apr 14, 16	Review	Exam 4 (Ch. 18-19) Apr 16
16	Apr 21, 23	Ex 5
Final	Apr 30	Comprehensive	8:00 am

Grading and Assessment

Grade Breakdown

Exam 1	Exam 2	Exam 3	Exam 4	Lab	Homework	Final	Total
100	100	100	100	150	150	200	900

• Exams: Four midterm exams and one comprehensive final exam.

• Lab: Laboratory work is a significant portion of the grade.

• Homework: Online assignments via Mastering Chemistry.

Grading Scale

• 90% - 100%: A

• 80% - 89%: B

• 70% - 79%: C

• 60% - 69%: D

• Below 60%: F

• Plus/minus grades may be assigned at the end of the semester.

Course Policies

Attendance and Conduct

• Attendance is required for all lectures and labs.

• Disruptive or obstructive behavior may result in disciplinary action.

• Electronic devices are permitted only for course-related activities.

Exams and Homework

• No make-up exams except for documented emergencies.

• Only approved calculators are allowed during exams.

• Homework is assigned weekly and is essential for exam preparation.

Laboratory Component

Lab Requirements

• Lab attendance and completion of experiments are mandatory.

• Lab safety and proper documentation are required.

• Lab grades contribute significantly to the overall course grade.

Academic Integrity

Policies

• All students must adhere to the university's code of conduct.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration are strictly prohibited.

• Violations may result in disciplinary action and failure of the course.

Additional Information

• Students with disabilities should contact the instructor for accommodations.

• All course materials and communications are subject to university policies.